TSorry....this recipe is currently not availible!I have been very blessed to have been exposed to so many different cultures, and nationalities throughout my life. This recipe reflects some of the cooking styles that have influenced me. I combined the flavors of Mexico, America and Italy in this appetizer, to create a fresh unique taste.
• Servings: 20
• 1 ripe cantaloupe
• 2 to 3 fresh limes-enough to get 4 good tablespoons of juice
• 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 8 ounce(s) of cold Philadelphia Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
• 3/4 cup(s) of flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 cup(s) of panko bread crumbs
• 2 inches of oil in fry pan
• 6 ounce(s) of thinly sliced prosciutto
• 20 fresh mint leaves
• toothpicks
Steps
1. Split cantaloupe across the middle, scoop out seeds.
2. Using a melon baller, scoop out balls from melon, and place into bowl.
3. Add lime juice and chili powder. Place in refrigerator to chill and absorb juice. Stir occasionally.
4. Using melon baller once again, scoop out cream cheese balls from Philadelphia Cream Cheese tub. Place in freezer for 10 minutes to firm.
5. In bowl add 3/4 cup of flour, in the next, add 2 beaten eggs. In a third, place 1 cup of panko bread crumbs.
6. Preheat oil in pan on stove.
7. Dip chilled balls into flour, shaking off excess. Next dip into egg and then cover in panko crumbs.
8. Carefully lower balls into hot oil. This will only take about 2 minutes to turn golden brown. Remove, and place on paper towel lined plate.
9. Remove melon from refrigerator. To assemble, cut prosciutto into thirds on cutting board. Wrap around melon.
10. Place a fresh mint leave on top of melon wrapped ball, followed by crispy cheese ball. Push a toothpick through all pieces.
11. Arrange appetizer on serving plate. For a different presentation, using the cantaloupe rind that is placed in the center of serving platter, poke holes in rind with metal skewer. Next push appetizers on toothpicks into holes. Elevate platter by placing on top of filled vase, or canister to make this dish the centerpiece!